Contraceptives drugs and devices market

Global contraceptive market was valued US$ 19.74 Bn in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 52.41 Bn by 2031 exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13% from 2024 to 2031.

Global Contraceptive Market - Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for temporary healthcare staffing during the forecast period, accounting for over 43.7% of the market share in 2023. Within the global contraceptives market, North America similarly holds a dominant position, driven by factors such as high awareness levels, favorable government initiatives, and advanced healthcare infrastructure. In countries like the United States and Canada, access to contraceptives is widespread, with various options available over the counter or through healthcare providers. Moreover, comprehensive sexual education programs in schools and community settings contribute to increased awareness and usage of contraceptives among the population. The presence of leading pharmaceutical companies in North America further boosts market growth, as they continue to innovate and develop new contraceptive products to meet evolving consumer needs and preferences.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the second-largest market for contraceptive market, accounting for over 25.2% of the market share in 2023. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region presents unique challenges and opportunities within the contraceptives market. While the region encompasses diverse countries with varying levels of economic development and cultural norms, access to contraceptives remains a significant issue in many areas. Limited awareness, social stigmas, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure pose barriers to contraceptive use in certain parts of Asia Pacific. However, increasing efforts by governments, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare providers to address these challenges are driving market growth.

Figure 1. Global Contraceptive Market Share (%), By Region, 2024

Analyst’s Views:

Global contraceptive market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade driven by rising addiction rates across the world. Rising binge drinking among adults and young population is also driving the need for rehabilitation services. North America dominates the market owing to relatively higher spending on healthcare and presence of major providers. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to emerge as the fastest growing market led by China and India. In these nations, rising disposable incomes, growing awareness about treatments, and decreasing social stigma are boosting the demand. The market faces challenges from lack of health insurance coverage in developing countries limiting access to costly specialty treatments. Shortage of trained professionals and infrastructure in smaller cities and towns also acts as a restraint. Optimizing service delivery through digital health solutions presents major opportunities. Telehealth and telemedicine can bridge geographical and financial barriers. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based personalized treatment planning and remote patient monitoring also have scope to improve outcomes. Partnerships between mainstream providers and online therapy services can help expand reach. Overall, widespread societal issues, improving awareness, and increasing prioritization of mental health indicate healthy future growth prospects for the substance abuse treatment industry.  

Global Contraceptive Market- Drivers

• Increasing popularity of contraceptive drugs: The popularity of contraceptive is steadily rising globally, catalyzing the growth of the overall contraceptive market. With greater sexual health awareness and women's empowerment, more individuals are seeking effective yet reversible protection from unintended pregnancies. This is evidenced in statistics, according to a study reported by the United Nations, over 60% of married women aged 15-49 in developing countries were currently using some form of modern contraception in 2020. Moreover, according to data provided by National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in November 2022, a research was conducted by KFF Women’s Health Survey (WHS) which provided the data, that over three-quarters (77%) of women of reproductive age support the idea of making birth control pills accessible over the counter without a prescription, provided that research confirms the safety and efficacy of this initiative, 56% strongly support the policy, while 21% express moderate support, regardless of their personal choice. Conversely, 12% of women hold either slight or strong opposition to the policy, with 11% undecided. Notably, recent users of oral contraceptives exhibit a stronger inclination towards endorsing this initiative, with 60% expressing support, in contrast to 52% among those who haven't used contraception in the past 12 months.
• Growing government initiatives for promoting access to family planning and contraceptives: Growing government initiatives for promoting access to family planning and contraceptives are a major factor driving the growth of the global contraceptive market. Many governments around the world recognize that improving access to contraception allows people to decide freely and responsibly on the number and spacing of their children. This in turn helps to reduce poverty, achieve gender equality, enhance public health and support sustainable development. Alongside government programs, non-profit organizations are also assisting by providing funding, awareness programs, and delivering contraceptives in remote rural areas. The charitable activities of nongovernmental organization (NGO) are immensely helping to expand choice and reach of family planning services across developing With more international donors supporting their work, NGOs are able to scale up outreach and distribution fast, especially during health emergencies like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, in November 2022, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced a US$15 million award over five years, subject to availability of funding, for the Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) partnership. Via this recognition, USAID aims to offer worldwide guidance and cutting-edge family planning expertise to bolster FP2030's objective of enhancing access to contraception for countless women and girls globally.

Global Contraceptive Market- Opportunities

• Growing demand in developing countries: Growing population in developing countries presents a significant opportunity for the global contraceptive market. Many developing nations are experiencing expanding populations that outpace economic growth, putting pressure on resources and infrastructure. For example, according to UN Population Division data, the average population growth rate between 2020-2023 for sub-Saharan African nations is estimated between 2.5-3%. The high population growth without adequate access to family planning results in increased social and economic issues for these countries. As governments and international organizations in developing regions recognize the need for population stabilization and empowering women's health, demand for modern contraceptives is rising rapidly. Initiatives like India's Family Planning 2020 and investments from global health charities are helping to boost access to contraceptives across rural communities and lower income demographics.
• Growing female population opting for contraceptive drugs: Growing women population opting for contraceptive drugs can provide significant opportunities for the global contraceptive drugs market. According to the data published by the United Nations, the world's female population is expected to rise from 3.9 billion in 2020 to 4.2 billion in 2030. This natural increase in numbers will directly translate to higher demand for effective contraceptive solutions in the near future. Many countries are also witnessing rapid urbanization which often leads to postponement of child-bearing age among women. This expands the window requiring contraception and pushes them towards reliable pharmaceutical options. With rising education and women empowerment programs globally, more females have access to sexual and reproductive health education. They are making independent choices regarding family planning through modern contraceptive methods. This shifts the trend from traditional ones like withdrawal method to effective long-term reversible contraceptives (LARCs) and other drugs.

Global Contraceptive Market – Trends

• Customization and innovation in pill formulations: Global contraceptive pills market is witnessing new trends of rising customization and greater focus on innovation . With changing needs and preferences of consumers, manufacturers are introducing pills with customized dosages, delivery methods and side effect profiles to cater to diverse set of users. For instance, some companies are developing pills containing different mixtures of hormones specifically targeting women who are unable to tolerate standard combination formulas due to side effects. Such pills with tweaked compositions allow women to better manage their symptoms. Another influencing trend is the emergence of long-acting and novel delivery formats for contraceptive pills. Going beyond traditional oral pills, some companies are experimenting with vaginal rings and skin patches that release progestin hormones slowly over a period of time. This helps automate intake and potentially improves adherence for women. Transdermal gel and spray formulations that deliver progesterone through skin are also being tested. The World Health Organization (WHO) has welcomed such innovations to increase options available for women worldwide. For example, in 2021, according to a survey by the United Nations Population Fund on family planning in Africa, found that, nearly a quarter of women preferred newer delivery methods over daily oral pills, if proven safe and effective. Moreover, increasing launch of innovative methods for contraception is expected to drive the market growth over the forecast period. For instance, in April 2022, Bayer AG, one of the global pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Company and Daré Bioscience, U.S. Biotech Company announced that they have joined forces to expand current contraceptive methods by developing a hormone-free monthly contraceptive. The device is a vaginal ring that offers contraception for three weeks without the need for user intervention at the time of intercourse.

Global Contraceptive Market - Restraints

• Side effects associated with pills: One of the major factors restraining the growth of the global contraceptive pills market is the side effects that are associated with their usage. Contraceptive pills contain synthetic hormones like progesterone and estrogen which are known to cause various side effects in many women. Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, headache, mood changes, weight gain and in some cases reduced libido. Some women also experience problems like blood clots, high blood pressure and cervical cancer with long term usage. This discourages many from opting for contraceptive pills due to the risk of short and long term side effects on their health and well-being. The fear of side effects has led to a decline in preference for contraceptive pills and demand is stagnating in developed markets, according to a 2020 report by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The report states growing concerns around side effects was a major reason cited by over 20% of women in North America who stopped using contraceptive pills between 2015-2020. Similarly, in 2019, according to a study published by the British Medical Journal found that 16% of women in the U.K. switched to different contraceptive methods or chose not to use any contraceptives at all due to facing intolerable side effects from pills.
• Risks of blood clots and cardiovascular diseases: One of the major risks restraining the growth of global contraceptive pills market is the potential risk of blood clots and cardiovascular diseases that are associated with their usage. Most of the oral contraceptive pills available in the market contain synthetic hormones like estrogen and progestin which are responsible for preventing pregnancy. However, these same hormones may also increase certain health risks like developing dangerous blood clots in the legs and lungs called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE). According to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2020, about 1 in every 1,000 women on birth control pills experienced blood clots in the first year of usage. The risks are even higher for women above 35 years of age or who smoke cigarettes. Apart from blood clots, some pills are also known to increase risks of other cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks or strokes in long term usage. Studies have found that combination birth control pills with both estrogen and progestin increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases by about 30-40% as compared to women not using contraceptive pills. According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), from 2021 analyzing healthcare data from several countries found pills containing third-generation progestins like Desogestrel or Gestodene were associated with highest risks as compared to second-generation pills like Levonorgestrel. This risk deters many women, especially in older age groups above 30-35 years, from opting for oral contraceptive pills considering their other non-pill contraceptive options like condoms have no such risks.
• Counterbalance – Despite the significant concerns surrounding the side effects of contraceptive pills, ongoing advancements in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D) offer promising avenues for addressing these issues. Emerging formulations aim to mitigate adverse reactions by fine-tuning hormone levels and exploring alternative delivery methods such as transdermal patches or intrauterine devices (IUDs). Increasing awareness campaigns and educational initiatives can empower women to make informed choices regarding their contraceptive options, emphasizing the importance of personalized healthcare consultations to identify the most suitable method based on individual health profiles and preferences.

Figure 2. Global Contraceptive Market Share (%), By Age Group, 2024

Global Contraceptive Market- Recent Developments

Product Launch

• On July 13, 2023, Perrigo Company plc., one of the leading providers of Consumer Self-Care Products announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Opill, a progestin-only daily oral contraceptive, for over-the-counter (OTC) use for all ages. Opill is the first ever birth control pill available over the counter in the U.S.
• On July 13, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Opill (norgestrel) tablet for nonprescription use to prevent pregnancy, the first daily oral contraceptive approved for use in the U.S. without a prescription.

Acquisition and Partnership

• On December 12, 2023, Aditxt, Inc., a company dedicated in discovering, developing, and deploying promising health innovations, and Evofem Biosciences, Inc., a pioneer in women’s health announced the signing of a definitive agreement under which Aditxt Inc. acquired Evofem Biosciences, Inc. Evofem Biosciences, Inc., is the creator of the first and only U.S.FDA-approved hormone-free contraceptive gel, Phexxi (lactic acid, citric acid, and potassium bitartrate).
• On June 21, 2023, Biden-Harris Administration, presidential administration of the United States led by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris announced a public-private partnership between the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Upstream to expand access to contraception, an essential component of reproductive health care, and address the growing disparities in women’s health in the U.S.

Top Companies in the Global Contraceptive Market

• Bayer AG
• Pfizer Inc.
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries
• Merck & Co.
• Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies
• Allergan
• Piramal Enterprises
• Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
• Lupin Pharmaceuticals
• Mylan Pharmaceuticals
• Mithra Pharmaceuticals
• Gedeon Richter
• HLL Lifecare
• Cadila Healthcare
• Organon
• Other Prominent Players

Definition: Contraceptive pills which is also known as birth control pills or oral contraceptives, are pharmaceutical medications that are designed to prevent pregnancy. These pills typically contain synthetic hormones, such as estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone), which work to inhibit ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary) and thicken cervical mucus to impede sperm movement. By altering hormonal levels in the body, contraceptive pills aim to create conditions that make fertilization less likely.

Global Contraceptive Market - Segmentation

• By Type
  • Combination Contraceptives
    • Monophasic pills
    • Multiphasic pills
    • Extended-cycle pills
  • Hormonal Contraceptives
    • Progestin-Only Pills
  • Emergency Contraceptives
    • Levonorgestrel-based
    • Ulipristal acetate-based
• By Route of Administration
  • Oral
  • Injectable
  • Intrauterine
  • Vaginal
  • Others (Patches, etc.)
• By Age Group
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
• By Distribution Channel
  • Online Pharmacies
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
• By Region:
  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Latin America
  • Middle East
  • Africa